ODM leaders warn Nyanza residents against ignoring Covid-19 containment measures

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ speaks during the burial of former trade unionist Were Ogutu in Karachuonyo Constituency. [James Omoro, Standard]

Three ODM legislators have urged Nyanza residents to focus on Covid-19 preventive measures due to lack of preparedness by county governments to fight the disease.

Speaking on Saturday during the burial of former trade unionist Were Ogutu in Karachuonyo constituency, Senate Minority Leader James Orengo, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo told to take serious measures put in place by the Government to combat the virus.

The leaders said county governments lack the capacity to handle a huge number of patients should many people test positive for the virus.

Orengo said the virus may kill many Kenyans if residents fail to focus on preventive measures.

 “Covid-19 is killing people in the United States and Britain yet the nations are the best-managed healthcare systems in the world. The disease can treat us badly if it attacks many people in our counties,” Orengo said.

Kajwang’ said county governments are not well prepared for to combat coronavirus.

“It is not only Homa Bay County that is not prepared to fight the virus effectively but other counties across the country.

“The level of preparedness of our counties to fight Covid-19 is like someone who has fenced his home with aloe Vera to deny a hippopotamus entry. This means only God will rescue us from this pandemic,” Kajwang’ said.

Kajwang’ urged locals to observe measures for preventing the spread of coronavirus.

“Let us ensure that we adhere to measures put in place by the government to combat the disease,” he added.

Amolo accused Nyanza governors of doing very little to prepare for coronavirus.

“Luo Nyanza counties are the least in preparedness for fighting the virus. Let us persevere putting on masks and other preventive measures,” Amolo said.

He said the virus will spread more in Kenya after the government lifted partial lockdown in Nairobi and Mombasa.